In college, Stephanie Marschall had no idea what she wanted to do for a career. Now, she is one of the top cosmetic dermatologists in Illinois.

Alexa Jenner

In college, Stephanie Marschall had no idea what she wanted to do for a career. Now, she is one of the top cosmetic dermatologists in Illinois.

Marschall grew up across the country, but it was her decision to pursue a career in medicine that landed her in Florida.

As a third-year medical student at the University of South Florida, Marschall met her husband, Michael. While he was interested in plastic surgery, she took an interest in dermatology. Looking for a location offering both fields, the two moved to Chicago in 1985.

Marschall went to work for Rush Presbyterian Medical Center, where she worked her way up to associate professor of dermatology. It was at Rush that Marschall really found her passion for cosmetic dermatology. As one of four in the department — and the only female — Marschall began to specialize in women’s cosmetic problems.

“They were all coming to me, so I had to figure out what I could do for them, and I became more and more interested in the field,” she said.

While the procedures she offers are considered cosmetic, they can bring about substantial, positive changes in a person’s life. She still remembers one of her first patients who came in for Botox because she always looked angry and could not get promoted.

Throughout the years, both the technology and people’s perception of skin care have changed.

“People are starting to understand that it’s OK to take care of yourself and just because you want to look good doesn’t mean that you’re vain,” Marschall said. “Taking care of your skin is really just the same as staying fit.”

After 10 years at Rush, Marschall decided to go into private practice to have more control over the services she offered to patients. Marschall worked in offices in Downers Grove, Westmont and Woodridge before moving to her husband’s office in Wheaton. The two have been running Plastic Surgery Consultants of DuPage together ever since.

“We complement one another,” Michael said. “I think she’s very thorough and wants to get to the root of all problems first, and I think that’s very advantageous.”

Marschall enjoys her field because she is able to treat both men and women of all ages. Through consultations she helps patients look at the whole picture and see what benefits they are receiving from treating their skin.